Undefeated British featherweight Lerone Murphy will join the UFC at UFC 242 this weekend, making his debut on one of the biggest cards of the year.
The UFC is coming to Abu Dhabi this weekend for UFC 242. The event has suffered many hits and has had many late fights made. As of now, the card holds four UFC debuts. One of those being UK’s Lerone Murphy, who is set to fight Russia’s Zubaira Tukhugov.
5’10″
Featherweight
28-years-old
Manchester, United Kingdom
All Powers Gym
8-0
5 KO/TKO
How will Murphy fare in the UFC:
It’s rare when you see the UFC sign an Englishman that hasn’t gone through Cage Warriors but Murphy is a fine exception. “The Miracle” has gone undefeated as a pro and amateur going 12-0 combined. He started his career against lackluster opponents but his last three opponents have been pretty good. Murphy is a solid fighter on the feet who has a mixed arsenal in hands and legs. He does a great job throwing punches and kicks together in combinations, usually ending with thumping leg kicks. Never predictable, Murphy will kick the legs, body, head frequently. That sometimes sees Murphy get greedy, in turn neglecting his hands.
While the Englishman is skilled on the feet he’s really good mixing in takedowns as well. Murphy isn’t the guy to really shoot from the outside. He is however a strong fighter who understands very well to drop levels, and get his hands clasped to get the takedown. On top, his ground and pound is solid being able to tie an arm up and land those key ground strikes. In terms of weakness, Murphy has done a good job not really showing any flaws. He’s been taken down before a few times but has never been held down always getting back up. Prediction: Two “POTN” bonuses in his first four UFC fights.
How Murphy matches up with Tukhugov:
Tukhugov is a very good talent who is coming off more than a three-year layoff. Tukhugov is technical but has shown in a few of his fights he tends to miss more than he lands. The Russian may be more technical than Murphy but the shot selection and accuracy is better for Murphy. When it comes to wrestling Murphy has the better technique but so far Tukhugov has stuffed all takedowns in his UFC career. Murphy has been taken down by lesser foes so don’t be surprised to see him on his back. Tukhugov though is more of a striker and has rarely committed to his wrestling. Tukhugov coming off a loss and a very long layoff where Murphy has a lot of momentum, so it’s hard not to like him in this fight.
